1
|
Venugopal S, Dan Q, Sri Theivakadadcham VS, Wu B, Kofler M, Layne MD, Connelly KA, Rzepka MF, Friedberg MK, Kapus A, Szászi K. Regulation of the RhoA exchange factor GEF-H1 by profibrotic stimuli through a positive feedback loop involving RhoA, MRTF, and Sp1. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 327:C387-C402. [PMID: 38912734 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00088.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
RhoA and its effectors, the transcriptional coactivators myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) and serum response factor (SRF), control epithelial phenotype and are indispensable for profibrotic epithelial reprogramming during fibrogenesis. Context-dependent control of RhoA and fibrosis-associated changes in its regulators, however, remain incompletely characterized. We previously identified the guanine nucleotide exchange factor GEF-H1 as a central mediator of RhoA activation in renal tubular cells exposed to inflammatory or fibrotic stimuli. Here we found that GEF-H1 expression and phosphorylation were strongly elevated in two animal models of fibrosis. In the Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction mouse kidney fibrosis model, GEF-H1 was upregulated predominantly in the tubular compartment. GEF-H1 was also elevated and phosphorylated in a rat pulmonary artery banding (PAB) model of right ventricular fibrosis. Prolonged stimulation of LLC-PK1 tubular cells with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α or transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 increased GEF-H1 expression and activated a luciferase-coupled GEF-H1 promoter. Knockdown and overexpression studies revealed that these effects were mediated by RhoA, cytoskeleton remodeling, and MRTF, indicative of a positive feedback cycle. Indeed, silencing endogenous GEF-H1 attenuated activation of the GEF-H1 promoter. Of importance, inhibition of MRTF using CCG-1423 prevented GEF-H1 upregulation in both animal models. MRTF-dependent increase in GEF-H1 was prevented by inhibition of the transcription factor Sp1, and mutating putative Sp1 binding sites in the GEF-H1 promoter eliminated its MRTF-dependent activation. As the GEF-H1/RhoA axis is key for fibrogenesis, this novel MRTF/Sp1-dependent regulation of GEF-H1 abundance represents a potential target for reducing renal and cardiac fibrosis.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We show that expression of the RhoA regulator GEF-H1 is upregulated in tubular cells exposed to fibrogenic cytokines and in animal models of kidney and heart fibrosis. We identify a pathway wherein GEF-H1/RhoA-dependent MRTF activation through its noncanonical partner Sp1 upregulates GEF-H1. Our data reveal the existence of a positive feedback cycle that enhances Rho signaling through control of both GEF-H1 activation and expression. This feedback loop may play an important role in organ fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shruthi Venugopal
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Qinghong Dan
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Veroni S Sri Theivakadadcham
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brian Wu
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Kofler
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew D Layne
- Department of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Kim A Connelly
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark F Rzepka
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark K Friedberg
- Division of Cardiology, Labatt Family Heart Center Toronto, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Translational Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - András Kapus
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katalin Szászi
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of the St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cervantes-Villagrana RD, García-Jiménez I, Vázquez-Prado J. Guanine nucleotide exchange factors for Rho GTPases (RhoGEFs) as oncogenic effectors and strategic therapeutic targets in metastatic cancer. Cell Signal 2023; 109:110749. [PMID: 37290677 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer cells dynamically adjust their shape to adhere, invade, migrate, and expand to generate secondary tumors. Inherent to these processes is the constant assembly and disassembly of cytoskeletal supramolecular structures. The subcellular places where cytoskeletal polymers are built and reorganized are defined by the activation of Rho GTPases. These molecular switches directly respond to signaling cascades integrated by Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs), which are sophisticated multidomain proteins that control morphological behavior of cancer and stromal cells in response to cell-cell interactions, tumor-secreted factors and actions of oncogenic proteins within the tumor microenvironment. Stromal cells, including fibroblasts, immune and endothelial cells, and even projections of neuronal cells, adjust their shapes and move into growing tumoral masses, building tumor-induced structures that eventually serve as metastatic routes. Here we review the role of RhoGEFs in metastatic cancer. They are highly diverse proteins with common catalytic modules that select among a variety of homologous Rho GTPases enabling them to load GTP, acquiring an active conformation that stimulates effectors controlling actin cytoskeleton remodeling. Therefore, due to their strategic position in oncogenic signaling cascades, and their structural diversity flanking common catalytic modules, RhoGEFs possess unique characteristics that make them conceptual targets of antimetastatic precision therapies. Preclinical proof of concept, demonstrating the antimetastatic effect of inhibiting either expression or activity of βPix (ARHGEF7), P-Rex1, Vav1, ARHGEF17, and Dock1, among others, is emerging.
Collapse
|
3
|
van Pelt J, Meeusen B, Derua R, Guffens L, Van Cutsem E, Janssens V, Verslype C. Human pancreatic cancer patients with Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and an aggressive phenotype show a disturbed balance in Protein Phosphatase Type 2A expression and functionality. J Transl Med 2023; 21:317. [PMID: 37170215 PMCID: PMC10176933 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04145-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a low survival, its incidence is rising and little therapeutic improvements are expected in the near future. It has been observed that Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes (including in PDAC) to a more aggressive cancer phenotype. Additionally, largely unexplored, studies indicate a mechanistic interplay between Protein Phosphatase Type 2A (PP2A) enzymes and EMT that could offer treatment opportunities. The aim was to investigate the relation of a PP2A expression signature (encompassing all PP2A subunits, endogenous inhibitors and activators) with EMT and aggressive pancreatic cancer, and to discuss possible implications. METHODS We retrieved different PDAC expression datasets from NCBI to capture the variation in patients, and analyzed these using datamining, survival analysis, differential gene and protein expression. We determined genes highly associated with aggressive PDAC. For in vitro evaluation, Panc-1 cells were treated with the pharmacologic PP2A inhibitor Okadaic Acid (OA). Additionally, two OA-resistant Panc-1 clones were developed and characterized. RESULTS In patients, there is a strong correlation between EMT and aggressive PDAC, and between aggressive PDAC and PP2A, with a significant upregulation of PP2A inhibitor genes. Several PP2A genes significantly correlated with decreased survival. In vitro, short-term exposure to OA induced EMT in Panc-1 cells. This shift towards EMT was further pronounced in the OA-resistant Panc-1 clones, morphologically and by pathway analysis. Proteomic analysis and gene sequencing showed that the advanced OA-resistant model most resembles the clinical PDAC presentation (with EMT signature, and with several specific PP2A genes upregulated, and others downregulated). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated a strong association between EMT, altered PP2A expression and aggressive PDAC in patients. Also, in vitro, PP2A inhibition induces EMT. Overall, statistics suggests the mechanistic importance of PP2A dysregulation for PDAC progression. Translationally, our observations indicate that pharmacologic restoration of PP2A activity could be an attractive therapeutic strategy to block or reverse progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jos van Pelt
- Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven & University Hospitals Leuven, Geb. Onderwijs & Navorsing 4, Room 07.465, Herestraat 49, Bus 603, B3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Bob Meeusen
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, O&N1, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, Bus 901, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rita Derua
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, O&N1, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, Bus 901, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
- SyBioMa (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Guffens
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, O&N1, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, Bus 901, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eric Van Cutsem
- Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven & University Hospitals Leuven, Geb. Onderwijs & Navorsing 4, Room 07.465, Herestraat 49, Bus 603, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Veerle Janssens
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium.
- Laboratory of Protein Phosphorylation & Proteomics, Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, O&N1, University of Leuven (KU Leuven), Herestraat 49, Bus 901, B3000, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Chris Verslype
- Laboratory of Digestive Oncology, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven & University Hospitals Leuven, Geb. Onderwijs & Navorsing 4, Room 07.465, Herestraat 49, Bus 603, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Herestraat 49, B3000, Leuven, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Liu S, Zheng Q, Zhang R, Li T, Zhan J. Construction of a combined random forest and artificial neural network diagnosis model to screening potential biomarker for hepatoblastoma. Pediatr Surg Int 2022; 38:2023-2034. [PMID: 36271952 DOI: 10.1007/s00383-022-05255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of our study is to identify potential biomarkers of hepatoblastoma (HB) and further explore the pathogenesis of it. METHODS Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were incorporated into the combined random forest and artificial neural network diagnosis model to screen candidate genes for HB. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to analyze the ARHGEF2. Student's t test was performed to evaluate the difference of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) between normal and HB samples. Spearson correlation analysis was used to calculate the correlation between ARHGEF2 and TIICs. RESULTS ARHGEF2, TCF3, TMED3, STMN1 and RAVER2 were screened by the new model. The GSEA of ARHGEF2 included cell cycle pathway and antigen processing presenting pathway. There were significant differences in the composition of partial TIICs between HB and normal samples (p < 0.05). ARHGEF2 was significantly correlated with memory B cells (Cor = 0.509, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION These 5 candidate genes contribute to the molecular diagnosis and targeted therapy of HB. And we found "ARHGEF2-RhoA-Cyclin D1/CDK4/CDK6-EF2" is a key mechanism regulating cell cycle pathway in HB. This will be helpful in the treatment of HB. The occurrence of HB is related to abnormal TIICs. We speculated that memory B cells play an important role in HB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaowen Liu
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Qipeng Zheng
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Ruifeng Zhang
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Tengfei Li
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China
| | - Jianghua Zhan
- Clinical School of Paediatrics, Tianjin Medical University, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China. .,Tianjin Children's Hospital, 238 Longyan Road, Beichen District, Tianjin, 300400, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Autism associated mutations in β 2 subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels constitutively activate gene expression. Cell Calcium 2022; 108:102672. [PMID: 36427431 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2022.102672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Membrane depolarization triggers gene expression through voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) in a process called Excitation-transcription (ET) coupling. Mutations in the channel subunits α11.2, or β2d, are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD. Here, we found that two mutations S143F and G113S within the rat Cavβ2a corresponding to autistic related mutations Cavβ2dS197F and Cavβ2dG167S in the human Cavβ2d, activate ET-coupling via the RAS/ERK/CREB pathway. Membrane depolarization of HEK293 cells co-expressing α11.2 and α2δ with Cavβ2aS143F or Cavβ2aG113S triggers constitutive transcriptional activation, which is correlated with facilitated channel activity. Similar to the Timothy-associated autistic mutation α11.2G406R, constitutive gene activation is attributed to a hyperpolarizing shift in the activation kinetics of Cav1.2. Pulldown of RasGRF2 and RhoGEF by wt and the Cavβ2a autistic mutants is consistent with Cavβ2/Ras activation in ET coupling and implicates Rho signaling as yet another molecular pathway activated by Cavα11.2/Cavβ2 . Facilitated spontaneous channel activity preceding enhanced gene activation via the Ras/ERK/CREB pathway, appears a general molecular mechanism for Ca2+ channel mediated ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen X, Shao Y, Wei W, Zhu S, Li Y, Chen Y, Li H, Tian H, Sun G, Niu Y, Shang Z. Androgen deprivation restores ARHGEF2 to promote neuroendocrine differentiation of prostate cancer. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:927. [PMID: 36335093 PMCID: PMC9637107 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05366-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) plays an important role in the progression of prostate cancer and has been targeted by castration or AR-antagonists. The emergence of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) after androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is inevitable. However, it is not entirely clear how ADT fails or how it causes resistance. Through analysis of RNA-seq data, we nominate ARHGEF2 as a pivotal androgen-repressed gene. We show that ARHGEF2 is directly suppressed by androgen/AR. AR occupies the enhancer and communicates with the promoter region of ARHGEF2. Functionally, ARHGEF2 is important for the growth, lethal phenotype, and survival of CRPC cells and tumor xenografts. Correspondingly, AR inhibition or AR antagonist treatment can restore ARHGEF2 expression, thereby allowing prostate cancer cells to induce treatment resistance and tolerance. Overall, our findings provide an explanation for the contradictory clinical results that ADT resistance may be caused by the up-regulation of ARHGEF2 and provide a novel target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuanrong Chen
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The second hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yi Shao
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The second hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Wanqing Wei
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The second hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Huai'an Maternal and Children Health Hospital, Huai'an, China
| | - Shimiao Zhu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The second hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The second hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yutong Chen
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The second hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hanling Li
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The second hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Tian
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The second hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Guijiang Sun
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The second hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanjie Niu
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The second hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiqun Shang
- Department of Urology, Tianjin Institute of Urology, The second hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhu Y, Liu W, Wang Z, Wang Y, Tan C, Pan Z, Wang A, Liu J, Sun G. ARHGEF2/EDN1 pathway participates in ER stress-related drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting angiogenesis and malignant proliferation. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:652. [PMID: 35896520 PMCID: PMC9329363 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05099-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is widely involved in the drug resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the mechanism of ER stress-induced drug resistance involves multiple signaling pathways that cannot be fully explained. Exploring genes associated with ER stress could yield a novel therapeutic target for ER stress-induced drug resistance. By analyzing RNA-sequencing, ATAC-sequencing, and Chip-sequencing data of Tunicamycin (TM)-treated or untreated HCC cells, we found that Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (ARHGEF2) is upregulated in HCC cells with ER stress. ARHGEF2 plays an active role in tumor malignant progression. Notwithstanding, no research has been done on the link between ER stress and ARHGEF2. The function of ARHGEF2 as a novel downstream effector of ER stress in the angiogenesis and treatment resistance of HCC was revealed in this work. ARHGEF2 overexpression was linked to malignant development and a poor prognosis in HCC. ER stress stimulates the expression of ARHGEF2 through upregulation of ZNF263. Elevated ARHGEF2 accelerates HCC angiogenesis via the EDN1 pathway, enhances HCC cell proliferation and tumor growth both in vitro and in vivo, and contributes to ER stress-related treatment resistance. HCC cell growth was more inhibited when ARHGEF2 knockdown was paired with targeted medicines. Collectively, we uncovered a previously hidden mechanism where ARHGEF2/EDN1 pathway promotes angiogenesis and participates in ER stress-related drug resistance in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhu
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Zishu Wang
- grid.414884.5Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui China
| | - Yanfei Wang
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui China ,grid.186775.a0000 0000 9490 772XDepartment of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Chaisheng Tan
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Zhipeng Pan
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Anqi Wang
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Jiatao Liu
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui China
| | - Guoping Sun
- grid.412679.f0000 0004 1771 3402Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu Q, Liu Y, Wang S, Wang J, Liu L, Xu Y, Qin Y. Interfering with the expression of EEF1D gene enhances the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:628. [PMID: 35672728 PMCID: PMC9175347 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09699-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Eukaryotic translation elongation factors 1 δ (EEF1D), has garnered much attention with regards to their role in the drug resistance of cancers. In this paper, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of increasing the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin or cis-dichlorodiammine platinum (DDP) by knockdown and knockout of EEF1D gene in cellular and animal models. Methods The EEF1D gene was knocked-down or -out by siRNA or CRISPR/Cas9 respectively in human ovarian cancer cell SKOV3, DDP-resistant subline SKOV3/DDP, and EEF1D gene in human primary ovarian cancer cell from 5 ovarian cancer patients with progressive disease/stable disease (PD/SD) was transiently knocked down by siRNA interference. The mice model bearing xenografted tumor was established with subcutaneous inoculation of SKOV3/DDP. Results The results show that reducing or removing EEF1D gene expression significantly increased the sensitivity of human ovarian cancer cells to DDP in inhibiting viability and inducing apoptosis in vitro and in vivo, and also boosted DDP to inhibit xenografted tumor growth. Interfering with EEF1D gene expression in mice xenografted tumor significantly affected the levels of OPTN, p-Akt, Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3 and ERCC1 compared to DDP treated mice alone, and had less effect on PI3K, Akt and caspase-3. Conclusions The knocking down or out EEF1D gene expression could enhance the sensitivity of ovarian cancer cells to DDP partially, which may be achieved via inactivating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, thus inducing cell apoptosis and decreasing repairment of DNA damage. Our study provides a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of ovarian cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09699-7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qia Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Street, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Street, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenyi Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Street, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230022, Anhui, China
| | - Liwei Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Street, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Xu
- Department of Neuropsychology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui, China. .,Laboratory of Molecular Neuropsychology, School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Yide Qin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Street, Hefei, Anhui, 230032, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Therapeutic Validation of GEF-H1 Using a De Novo Designed Inhibitor in Models of Retinal Disease. Cells 2022; 11:cells11111733. [PMID: 35681428 PMCID: PMC9179336 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation and fibrosis are important components of diseases that contribute to the malfunction of epithelia and endothelia. The Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) GEF-H1/ARHGEF-2 is induced in disease and stimulates inflammatory and fibrotic processes, cell migration, and metastasis. Here, we have generated peptide inhibitors to block the function of GEF-H1. Inhibitors were designed using a structural in silico approach or by isolating an inhibitory sequence from the autoregulatory C-terminal domain. Candidate inhibitors were tested for their ability to block RhoA/GEF-H1 binding in vitro, and their potency and specificity in cell-based assays. Successful inhibitors were then evaluated in models of TGFβ-induced fibrosis, LPS-stimulated endothelial cell-cell junction disruption, and cell migration. Finally, the most potent inhibitor was successfully tested in an experimental retinal disease mouse model, in which it inhibited blood vessel leakage and ameliorated retinal inflammation when treatment was initiated after disease diagnosis. Thus, an antagonist that blocks GEF-H1 signaling effectively inhibits disease features in in vitro and in vivo disease models, demonstrating that GEF-H1 is an effective therapeutic target and establishing a new therapeutic approach.
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang S, Gao S, Zeng Y, Zhu L, Mo Y, Wong CC, Bao Y, Su P, Zhai J, Wang L, Soares F, Xu X, Chen H, Hezaveh K, Ci X, He A, McGaha T, O'Brien C, Rottapel R, Kang W, Wu J, Zheng G, Cai Z, Yu J, He HH. N6-Methyladenosine Reader YTHDF1 Promotes ARHGEF2 Translation and RhoA Signaling in Colorectal Cancer. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:1183-1196. [PMID: 34968454 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.12.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS N6-methyladenosine (m6A) governs the fate of RNAs through m6A readers. Colorectal cancer (CRC) exhibits aberrant m6A modifications and expression of m6A regulators. However, how m6A readers interpret oncogenic m6A methylome to promote malignant transformation remains to be illustrated. METHODS YTH N6-methyladenosine RNA binding protein 1 (Ythdf1) knockout mouse was generated to determine the effect of Ythdf1 in CRC tumorigenesis in vivo. Multiomic analysis of RNA-sequencing, m6A methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, YTHDF1 RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, and proteomics were performed to unravel targets of YTHDF1 in CRC. The therapeutic potential of targeting YTHDF1-m6A-Rho/Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (ARHGEF2) was evaluated using small interfering RNA (siRNA) encapsulated by lipid nanoparticles (LNP). RESULTS DNA copy number gain of YTHDF1 is a frequent event in CRC and contributes to its overexpression. High expression of YTHDF1 is significantly associated with metastatic gene signature in patient tumors. Ythdf1 knockout in mice dampened tumor growth in an inflammatory CRC model. YTHDF1 promotes cell growth in CRC cell lines and primary organoids and lung and liver metastasis in vivo. Integrative multiomics analysis identified RhoA activator ARHGEF2 as a key downstream target of YTHDF1. YTHDF1 binds to m6A sites of ARHGEF2 messenger RNA, resulting in enhanced translation of ARHGEF2. Ectopic expression of ARHGEF2 restored impaired RhoA signaling, cell growth, and metastatic ability both in vitro and in vivo caused by YTHDF1 loss, verifying that ARHGEF2 is a key target of YTHDF1. Finally, ARHGEF2 siRNA delivered by LNP significantly suppressed tumor growth and metastasis in vivo. CONCLUSIONS We identify a novel oncogenic epitranscriptome axis of YTHDF1-m6A-ARHGEF2, which regulates CRC tumorigenesis and metastasis. siRNA-delivering LNP drug validated the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiyan Wang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shanshan Gao
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yong Zeng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yulin Mo
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chi Chun Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yi Bao
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Peiran Su
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jianning Zhai
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lina Wang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Fraser Soares
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xin Xu
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Huarong Chen
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kebria Hezaveh
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xinpei Ci
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aobo He
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracy McGaha
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Catherine O'Brien
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Robert Rottapel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wei Kang
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jianfeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Fujian, China
| | - Gang Zheng
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zongwei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Analysis, Department of Chemistry, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun Yu
- Institute of Digestive Disease and Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Housheng Hansen He
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kim J, Jeon YJ, Lim SC, Ryu J, Lee JH, Chang IY, You HJ. Akt-mediated Ephexin1-Ras interaction promotes oncogenic Ras signaling and colorectal and lung cancer cell proliferation. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1013. [PMID: 34711817 PMCID: PMC8553951 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRCT Ephexin1 was reported to be highly upregulated by oncogenic Ras, but the functional consequences of this remain poorly understood. Here, we show that Ephexin1 is highly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and lung cancer (LC) patient tissues. Knockdown of Ephexin1 markedly inhibited the cell growth of CRC and LC cells with oncogenic Ras mutations. Ephexin1 contributes to the positive regulation of Ras-mediated downstream target genes and promotes Ras-induced skin tumorigenesis. Mechanically, Akt phosphorylates Ephexin1 at Ser16 and Ser18 (pSer16/18) and pSer16/18 Ephexin1 then interacts with oncogenic K-Ras to promote downstream MAPK signaling, facilitating tumorigenesis. Furthermore, pSer16/18 Ephexin1 is associated with both an increased tumor grade and metastatic cases of CRC and LC, and those that highly express pSer16/18 exhibit poor overall survival rates. These data indicate that Ephexin1 plays a critical role in the Ras-mediated CRC and LC and pSer16/18 Ephexin1 might be an effective therapeutic target for CRC and LC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeeho Kim
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Cancer therapeutics, Chosun University School of medicine, 375 Seosuk-Dong, Gwangju, 501-759, South Korea
- Department of Pharmacology, Chosun University School of medicine, 375 Seosuk-Dong, Gwangju, 501-759, South Korea
| | - Young Jin Jeon
- Department of Pharmacology, Chosun University School of medicine, 375 Seosuk-Dong, Gwangju, 501-759, South Korea
| | - Sung-Chul Lim
- Department of Pathology, Chosun University School of medicine, 375 Seosuk-Dong, Gwangju, 501-759, South Korea
| | - Joohyun Ryu
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, 801 16th Avenue NE, Austin, MN, 55912, USA
| | - Jung-Hee Lee
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Cancer therapeutics, Chosun University School of medicine, 375 Seosuk-Dong, Gwangju, 501-759, South Korea
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Chosun University School of medicine, 375 Seosuk-Dong, Gwangju, 501-759, South Korea
| | - In-Youb Chang
- Department of Anatomy, Chosun University School of medicine, 375 Seosuk-Dong, Gwangju, 501-759, South Korea.
| | - Ho Jin You
- Laboratory of Genomic Instability and Cancer therapeutics, Chosun University School of medicine, 375 Seosuk-Dong, Gwangju, 501-759, South Korea.
- Department of Pharmacology, Chosun University School of medicine, 375 Seosuk-Dong, Gwangju, 501-759, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Akt-mediated Ephexin1-Ras interaction promotes oncogenic Ras signaling and colorectal and lung cancer cell proliferation. Cell Death Dis 2021. [PMID: 34711817 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04332-0.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRCT Ephexin1 was reported to be highly upregulated by oncogenic Ras, but the functional consequences of this remain poorly understood. Here, we show that Ephexin1 is highly expressed in colorectal cancer (CRC) and lung cancer (LC) patient tissues. Knockdown of Ephexin1 markedly inhibited the cell growth of CRC and LC cells with oncogenic Ras mutations. Ephexin1 contributes to the positive regulation of Ras-mediated downstream target genes and promotes Ras-induced skin tumorigenesis. Mechanically, Akt phosphorylates Ephexin1 at Ser16 and Ser18 (pSer16/18) and pSer16/18 Ephexin1 then interacts with oncogenic K-Ras to promote downstream MAPK signaling, facilitating tumorigenesis. Furthermore, pSer16/18 Ephexin1 is associated with both an increased tumor grade and metastatic cases of CRC and LC, and those that highly express pSer16/18 exhibit poor overall survival rates. These data indicate that Ephexin1 plays a critical role in the Ras-mediated CRC and LC and pSer16/18 Ephexin1 might be an effective therapeutic target for CRC and LC.
Collapse
|
13
|
Tang D, Kroemer G, Kang R. Oncogenic KRAS blockade therapy: renewed enthusiasm and persistent challenges. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:128. [PMID: 34607583 PMCID: PMC8489073 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01422-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Across a broad range of human cancers, gain-of-function mutations in RAS genes (HRAS, NRAS, and KRAS) lead to constitutive activity of oncoproteins responsible for tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The targeting of RAS with drugs is challenging because RAS lacks classic and tractable drug binding sites. Over the past 30 years, this perception has led to the pursuit of indirect routes for targeting RAS expression, processing, upstream regulators, or downstream effectors. After the discovery that the KRAS-G12C variant contains a druggable pocket below the switch-II loop region, it has become possible to design irreversible covalent inhibitors for the variant with improved potency, selectivity and bioavailability. Two such inhibitors, sotorasib (AMG 510) and adagrasib (MRTX849), were recently evaluated in phase I-III trials for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer with KRAS-G12C mutations, heralding a new era of precision oncology. In this review, we outline the mutations and functions of KRAS in human tumors and then analyze indirect and direct approaches to shut down the oncogenic KRAS network. Specifically, we discuss the mechanistic principles, clinical features, and strategies for overcoming primary or secondary resistance to KRAS-G12C blockade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daolin Tang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China. .,Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université de Paris, Sorbonne Université, INSERM U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France. .,Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France. .,Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France.
| | - Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Soriano O, Alcón-Pérez M, Vicente-Manzanares M, Castellano E. The Crossroads between RAS and RHO Signaling Pathways in Cellular Transformation, Motility and Contraction. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12060819. [PMID: 34071831 PMCID: PMC8229961 DOI: 10.3390/genes12060819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ras and Rho proteins are GTP-regulated molecular switches that control multiple signaling pathways in eukaryotic cells. Ras was among the first identified oncogenes, and it appears mutated in many forms of human cancer. It mainly promotes proliferation and survival through the MAPK pathway and the PI3K/AKT pathways, respectively. However, the myriad proteins close to the plasma membrane that activate or inhibit Ras make it a major regulator of many apparently unrelated pathways. On the other hand, Rho is weakly oncogenic by itself, but it critically regulates microfilament dynamics; that is, actin polymerization, disassembly and contraction. Polymerization is driven mainly by the Arp2/3 complex and formins, whereas contraction depends on myosin mini-filament assembly and activity. These two pathways intersect at numerous points: from Ras-dependent triggering of Rho activators, some of which act through PI3K, to mechanical feedback driven by actomyosin action. Here, we describe the main points of connection between the Ras and Rho pathways as they coordinately drive oncogenic transformation. We emphasize the biochemical crosstalk that drives actomyosin contraction driven by Ras in a Rho-dependent manner. We also describe possible routes of mechanical feedback through which myosin II activation may control Ras/Rho activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Soriano
- Tumor Biophysics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Marta Alcón-Pérez
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Miguel Vicente-Manzanares
- Tumor Biophysics Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.V.-M.); (E.C.)
| | - Esther Castellano
- Tumour-Stroma Signalling Laboratory, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer and Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
- Correspondence: (M.V.-M.); (E.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Brüggemann Y, Karajannis LS, Stanoev A, Stallaert W, Bastiaens PIH. Growth factor-dependent ErbB vesicular dynamics couple receptor signaling to spatially and functionally distinct Erk pools. Sci Signal 2021; 14:14/683/eabd9943. [PMID: 34006609 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abd9943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Growth factor-dependent vesicular dynamics allow cells to regulate the spatial distribution of growth factor receptors and thereby their coupling to downstream signaling effectors that guide cellular responses. We found that the ErbB ligands epidermal growth factor (EGF) and heregulin (HRG) generated distinct spatiotemporal patterns of cognate receptor activities to activate distinct subcellular pools of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk). Sustained plasma membrane activity of the receptor tyrosine kinases ErbB2/ErbB3 signaled to Erk complexed with the scaffold protein KSR to promote promigratory EphA2 phosphorylation and cellular motility upon HRG stimulation. In contrast, receptor-saturating EGF stimuli caused proliferation-inducing transient activation of cytoplasmic Erk due to the rapid internalization of EGF receptors (EGFR or ErbB1) toward endosomes. Paradoxically, promigratory signaling mediated by Erk complexed to KSR was sustained at low EGF concentrations by vesicular recycling that maintained steady-state amounts of active, phosphorylated EGFR at the plasma membrane. Thus, the effect of ligand identity and concentration on determining ErbB vesicular dynamics constitutes a mechanism by which cells can transduce growth factor composition through spatially distinct Erk pools to enable functionally diverse cellular responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yannick Brüggemann
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str.11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany.,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Lisa S Karajannis
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str.11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Angel Stanoev
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str.11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Wayne Stallaert
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str.11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Philippe I H Bastiaens
- Department of Systemic Cell Biology, Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, Otto-Hahn-Str.11, 44227 Dortmund, Germany. .,Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund, Otto-Hahn-Str. 6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Assi M, Achouri Y, Loriot A, Dauguet N, Dahou H, Baldan J, Libert M, Fain JS, Guerra C, Bouwens L, Barbacid M, Lemaigre FP, Jacquemin P. Dynamic Regulation of Expression of KRAS and Its Effectors Determines the Ability to Initiate Tumorigenesis in Pancreatic Acinar Cells. Cancer Res 2021; 81:2679-2689. [PMID: 33602788 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic acinar cells are a cell type of origin for pancreatic cancer that become progressively less sensitive to tumorigenesis induced by oncogenic Kras mutations after birth. This sensitivity is increased when Kras mutations are combined with pancreatitis. Molecular mechanisms underlying these observations are still largely unknown. To identify these mechanisms, we generated the first CRISPR-edited mouse models that enable detection of wild-type and mutant KRAS proteins in vivo. Analysis of these mouse models revealed that more than 75% of adult acinar cells are devoid of detectable KRAS protein. In the 25% of acinar cells expressing KRAS protein, transcriptomic analysis highlighted a slight upregulation of the RAS and MAPK pathways. However, at the protein level, only marginal pancreatic expression of essential KRAS effectors, including C-RAF, was observed. The expression of KRAS and its effectors gradually decreased after birth. The low sensitivity of adult acinar cells to Kras mutations resulted from low expression of KRAS and its effectors and the subsequent lack of activation of RAS/MAPK pathways. Pancreatitis triggered expression of KRAS and its effectors as well as subsequent activation of downstream signaling; this induction required the activity of EGFR. Finally, expression of C-RAF in adult pancreas was required for pancreatic tumorigenesis. In conclusion, our study reveals that control of the expression of KRAS and its effectors regulates the sensitivity of acinar cells to transformation by oncogenic Kras mutations. SIGNIFICANCE: This study generates new mouse models to study regulation of KRAS during pancreatic tumorigenesis and highlights a novel mechanism through which pancreatitis sensitizes acinar cells to Kras mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Assi
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Younes Achouri
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Loriot
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Dauguet
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hajar Dahou
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Baldan
- Cell Differentiation Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Maxime Libert
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean S Fain
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Carmen Guerra
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Luc Bouwens
- Cell Differentiation Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mariano Barbacid
- Molecular Oncology Program, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Patrick Jacquemin
- Université catholique de Louvain, de Duve Institute, Brussels, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Nakao Y, Nakagawa S, Yamashita YI, Umezaki N, Okamoto Y, Ogata Y, Yasuda-Yoshihara N, Itoyama R, Yusa T, Yamashita K, Miyata T, Okabe H, Hayashi H, Imai K, Baba H. High ARHGEF2 (GEF-H1) Expression is Associated with Poor Prognosis Via Cell Cycle Regulation in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2021; 28:4733-4743. [PMID: 33393038 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-09383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer has an extremely poor prognosis, even after curative resection. Treatment options for pancreatic cancer remain limited, therefore new therapeutic targets are urgently needed. We searched for genes predictive of poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer using a public database and validated the survival impact of the selected gene in a patient cohort. METHODS We used a public database to search for genes associated with early pancreatic cancer recurrence. As a validation cohort, 201 patients who underwent radical resection in our institution were enrolled. Expression of the target gene was evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC). We evaluated growth and invasiveness using small interfering RNAs, then performed pathway analysis using gene set enrichment analysis. RESULTS We extracted ARHGEF2 from GSE21501 as a gene with a high hazard ratio (HR) for early recurrence within 1 year. The high ARHGEF2 expression group had significantly poorer recurrence-free survival (RFS) and poorer overall survival (OS) than the low ARHGEF2 expression group. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high ARHGEF2 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor for RFS (HR 1.92) and OS (HR 1.63). In vitro, ARHGEF2 suppression resulted in reduced cell growth and invasiveness. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that ARHGEF2 expression was associated with MYC, G2M, E2F, and CDC25A expression, suggesting that c-Myc and cell cycle genes are associated with high ARHGEF2 expression. IHC revealed a positive correlation between ARHGEF2 and c-Myc expression. CONCLUSIONS High ARHGEF2 expression is associated with cell cycle progression, and predicts early recurrence and poor survival in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shigeki Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yo-Ichi Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Naoki Umezaki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuya Okamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoko Ogata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Noriko Yasuda-Yoshihara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Rumi Itoyama
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yusa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kohei Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Miyata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hirohisa Okabe
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Katsunori Imai
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Joo E, Olson MF. Regulation and functions of the RhoA regulatory guanine nucleotide exchange factor GEF-H1. Small GTPases 2020; 12:358-371. [PMID: 33126816 PMCID: PMC8583009 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2020.1840889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery by Madaule and Axel in 1985 of the first Ras homologue (Rho) protein in Aplysia and its human orthologue RhoB, membership in the Rho GTPase family has grown to 20 proteins, with representatives in all eukaryotic species. These GTPases are molecular switches that cycle between active (GTP bound) and inactivate (GDP bound) states. The exchange of GDP for GTP on Rho GTPases is facilitated by guanine exchange factors (GEFs). Approximately 80 Rho GEFs have been identified to date, and only a few GEFs associate with microtubules. The guanine nucleotide exchange factor H1, GEF-H1, is a unique GEF that associates with microtubules and is regulated by the polymerization state of microtubule networks. This review summarizes the regulation and functions of GEF-H1 and discusses the roles of GEF-H1 in human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Joo
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michael F Olson
- Department of Chemistry and Biology, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Rao C, Huisman DH, Vieira HM, Frodyma DE, Neilsen BK, Chakraborty B, Hight SK, White MA, Fisher KW, Lewis RE. A Gene Expression High-Throughput Screen (GE-HTS) for Coordinated Detection of Functionally Similar Effectors in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3143. [PMID: 33120942 PMCID: PMC7692652 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide, loss-of-function screening can be used to identify novel vulnerabilities upon which specific tumor cells depend for survival. Functional Signature Ontology (FUSION) is a gene expression-based high-throughput screening (GE-HTS) method that allows researchers to identify functionally similar proteins, small molecules, and microRNA mimics, revealing novel therapeutic targets. FUSION uses cell-based high-throughput screening and computational analysis to match gene expression signatures produced by natural products to those produced by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and synthetic microRNA libraries to identify putative protein targets and mechanisms of action (MoA) for several previously undescribed natural products. We have used FUSION to screen for functional analogues to Kinase suppressor of Ras 1 (KSR1), a scaffold protein downstream of Ras in the Raf-MEK-ERK kinase cascade, and biologically validated several proteins with functional similarity to KSR1. FUSION incorporates bioinformatics analysis that may offer higher resolution of the endpoint readout than other screens which utilize Boolean outputs regarding a single pathway activation (i.e., synthetic lethal and cell proliferation). Challenges associated with FUSION and other high-content genome-wide screens include variation, batch effects, and controlling for potential off-target effects. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of FUSION to identify novel inhibitors and oncogene-induced changes that may be cancer cell-specific as well as several potential pitfalls within FUSION and best practices to avoid them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chaitra Rao
- Eppley Institute, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (C.R.); (D.H.H.); (H.M.V.); (D.E.F.); (B.K.N.)
| | - Dianna H. Huisman
- Eppley Institute, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (C.R.); (D.H.H.); (H.M.V.); (D.E.F.); (B.K.N.)
| | - Heidi M. Vieira
- Eppley Institute, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (C.R.); (D.H.H.); (H.M.V.); (D.E.F.); (B.K.N.)
| | - Danielle E. Frodyma
- Eppley Institute, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (C.R.); (D.H.H.); (H.M.V.); (D.E.F.); (B.K.N.)
| | - Beth K. Neilsen
- Eppley Institute, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (C.R.); (D.H.H.); (H.M.V.); (D.E.F.); (B.K.N.)
| | - Binita Chakraborty
- Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - Suzie K. Hight
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
| | - Michael A. White
- Chief Scientific Officer, Samumed, LLC, San Diego, CA 92121, USA;
| | - Kurt W. Fisher
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA;
| | - Robert E. Lewis
- Eppley Institute, Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; (C.R.); (D.H.H.); (H.M.V.); (D.E.F.); (B.K.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Qin S, Lin P, Wu Q, Pu Q, Zhou C, Wang B, Gao P, Wang Z, Gao A, Overby M, Yang J, Jiang J, Wilson DL, Tahara YK, Kool ET, Xia Z, Wu M. Small-Molecule Inhibitor of 8-Oxoguanine DNA Glycosylase 1 Regulates Inflammatory Responses during Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2020; 205:2231-2242. [PMID: 32929043 PMCID: PMC7541742 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1901533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The DNA repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase 1 (OGG1), which excises 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine lesions induced in DNA by reactive oxygen species, has been linked to the pathogenesis of lung diseases associated with bacterial infections. A recently developed small molecule, SU0268, has demonstrated selective inhibition of OGG1 activity; however, its role in attenuating inflammatory responses has not been tested. In this study, we report that SU0268 has a favorable effect on bacterial infection both in mouse alveolar macrophages (MH-S cells) and in C57BL/6 wild-type mice by suppressing inflammatory responses, particularly promoting type I IFN responses. SU0268 inhibited proinflammatory responses during Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA14) infection, which is mediated by the KRAS-ERK1-NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, SU0268 induces the release of type I IFN by the mitochondrial DNA-cGAS-STING-IRF3-IFN-β axis, which decreases bacterial loads and halts disease progression. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the small-molecule inhibitor of OGG1 (SU0268) can attenuate excessive inflammation and improve mouse survival rates during PA14 infection. This strong anti-inflammatory feature may render the inhibitor as an alternative treatment for controlling severe inflammatory responses to bacterial infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shugang Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203
| | - Ping Lin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Qun Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Qinqin Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203
| | - Chuanmin Zhou
- Wuhan University School of Health Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430071, China
| | - Biao Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203
| | - Pan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203
| | - Zhihan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China; and
| | - Ashley Gao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203
| | - Madison Overby
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203
| | - Jinliang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jianxin Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - David L Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford Cancer Institute, and Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Yu-Ki Tahara
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford Cancer Institute, and Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Eric T Kool
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford Cancer Institute, and Chemistry, Engineering and Medicine for Human Health Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Zhenwei Xia
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China;
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND 58203;
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhang Q, Cao C, Gong W, Bao K, Wang Q, Wang Y, Bi L, Ma S, Zhao J, Liu L, Tian S, Zhang K, Yang J, Yao Z, Song N, Shi L. A feedforward circuit shaped by ECT2 and USP7 contributes to breast carcinogenesis. Am J Cancer Res 2020; 10:10769-10790. [PMID: 32929379 PMCID: PMC7482815 DOI: 10.7150/thno.46878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: A number of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) including epithelial cell transforming factor ECT2 are believed to drive carcinogenesis through activating distinct oncogenic GTPases. Yet, whether GEF-independent activity of ECT2 also plays a role in tumorigenesis remains unclear. Methods: Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, colony formation and xenograft assays were used to examine the role of ECT2 in breast carcinogenesis. Co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescent stainings, in vivo deubiquitination and in vitro deubiquitination experiments were performed to examine the physical and functional interaction between ECT2 and ubiquitin-specific protease USP7. High-throughput RNA sequencing, quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and Western blotting were employed to investigate the biological significance of the interplay between ECT2 and USP7. Results: We report that ECT2 plays a tumor-promoting role in breast cancer, and GEF activity-deficient ECT2 is able to alleviate ECT2 depletion associated growth defects in breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that ECT2 physically interacts with ubiquitin-specific protease USP7 and functionally facilitates USP7 intermolecular self-association, -deubiquitination and -stabilization in a GEF activity-independent manner. USP7 in turn, deubiquitinates and stabilizes ECT2, resulting in a feedforward regulatory circuit that ultimately sustains the expression of oncogenic protein MDM2. Conclusion: Our study uncovers a GEF-independent role of ECT2 in promoting survival of breast cancer cells, provides a molecular insight for the reciprocal regulation of ECT2 and USP7, and supports the pursuit of ECT2/USP7 as potential targets for breast cancer intervention.
Collapse
|
22
|
Bolado-Carrancio A, Rukhlenko OS, Nikonova E, Tsyganov MA, Wheeler A, Garcia-Munoz A, Kolch W, von Kriegsheim A, Kholodenko BN. Periodic propagating waves coordinate RhoGTPase network dynamics at the leading and trailing edges during cell migration. eLife 2020; 9:58165. [PMID: 32705984 PMCID: PMC7380942 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Migrating cells need to coordinate distinct leading and trailing edge dynamics but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Here, we combine experiments and mathematical modeling to elaborate the minimal autonomous biochemical machinery necessary and sufficient for this dynamic coordination and cell movement. RhoA activates Rac1 via DIA and inhibits Rac1 via ROCK, while Rac1 inhibits RhoA through PAK. Our data suggest that in motile, polarized cells, RhoA–ROCK interactions prevail at the rear, whereas RhoA-DIA interactions dominate at the front where Rac1/Rho oscillations drive protrusions and retractions. At the rear, high RhoA and low Rac1 activities are maintained until a wave of oscillatory GTPase activities from the cell front reaches the rear, inducing transient GTPase oscillations and RhoA activity spikes. After the rear retracts, the initial GTPase pattern resumes. Our findings show how periodic, propagating GTPase waves coordinate distinct GTPase patterns at the leading and trailing edge dynamics in moving cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Bolado-Carrancio
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Oleksii S Rukhlenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Elena Nikonova
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Mikhail A Tsyganov
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland.,Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Pushchino, Russian Federation
| | - Anne Wheeler
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Amaya Garcia-Munoz
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Alex von Kriegsheim
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Boris N Kholodenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland.,Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, United States
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Nobis M, Herrmann D, Warren SC, Strathdee D, Cox TR, Anderson KI, Timpson P. Shedding new light on RhoA signalling as a drug target in vivo using a novel RhoA-FRET biosensor mouse. Small GTPases 2020; 11:240-247. [PMID: 29457531 PMCID: PMC7549666 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2018.1438024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The small GTPase RhoA is a master regulator of signalling in cell-extracellular matrix interactions. RhoA signalling is critical to many cellular processes including migration, mechanotransduction, and is often disrupted in carcinogenesis. Investigating RhoA activity in a native tissue environment is challenging using conventional biochemical methods; we therefore developed a RhoA-FRET biosensor mouse, employing the adaptable nature of intravital imaging to a variety of settings. Mechanotransduction was explored in the context of osteocyte processes embedded in the calvaria responding in a directional manner to compression stress. Further, the migration of neutrophils was examined during in vivo "chemotaxis" in wound response. RhoA activity was tightly regulated during tissue remodelling in mammary gestation, as well as during mammary and pancreatic carcinogenesis. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of RhoA was temporally resolved by the use of optical imaging windows in fully developed pancreatic and mammary tumours in vivo. The RhoA-FRET mouse therefore constitutes a powerful tool to facilitate development of new inhibitors targeting the RhoA signalling axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Max Nobis
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2010NSW, Australia
| | - David Herrmann
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2010NSW, Australia
| | - Sean C. Warren
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2010NSW, Australia
| | - Douglas Strathdee
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, GlasgowG611BD, UK
| | - Thomas R. Cox
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2010NSW, Australia
| | | | - Paul Timpson
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2010NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Vav2 pharmaco-mimetic mice reveal the therapeutic value and caveats of the catalytic inactivation of a Rho exchange factor. Oncogene 2020; 39:5098-5111. [PMID: 32528129 PMCID: PMC7610363 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1353-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The current paradigm holds that the inhibition of Rho guanosine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), the enzymes that stimulate Rho GTPases, can be a valuable therapeutic strategy to treat Rho-dependent tumors. However, formal validation of this idea using in vivo models is still missing. In this context, it is worth remembering that many Rho GEFs can mediate both catalysis-dependent and independent responses, thus raising the possibility that the inhibition of their catalytic activities might not be sufficient per se to block tumorigenic processes. On the other hand, the inhibition of these enzymes can trigger collateral side effects that could preclude the practical implementation of anti-GEF therapies. To address those issues, we have generated mouse models to mimic the effect of the systemic application of an inhibitor for the catalytic activity of the Rho GEF Vav2 at the organismal level. Our results indicate that lowering the catalytic activity of Vav2 below specific thresholds is sufficient to block skin tumor initiation, promotion, and progression. They also reveal that the negative side effects typically induced by the loss of Vav2 can be bypassed depending on the overall level of Vav2 inhibition achieved in vivo. These data underscore the pros and cons of anti-Rho GEF therapies for cancer treatment. They also support the idea that Vav2 could represent a viable drug target.
Collapse
|
25
|
Taskinen ME, Närvä E, Conway JR, Hinojosa LS, Lilla S, Mai A, De Franceschi N, Elo LL, Grosse R, Zanivan S, Norman JC, Ivaska J. MASTL promotes cell contractility and motility through kinase-independent signaling. J Cell Biol 2020; 219:e201906204. [PMID: 32311005 PMCID: PMC7265322 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201906204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated serine/threonine-protein kinase-like (MASTL) is a mitosis-accelerating kinase with emerging roles in cancer progression. However, possible cell cycle-independent mechanisms behind its oncogenicity remain ambiguous. Here, we identify MASTL as an activator of cell contractility and MRTF-A/SRF (myocardin-related transcription factor A/serum response factor) signaling. Depletion of MASTL increased cell spreading while reducing contractile actin stress fibers in normal and breast cancer cells and strongly impairing breast cancer cell motility and invasion. Transcriptome and proteome profiling revealed MASTL-regulated genes implicated in cell movement and actomyosin contraction, including Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (GEF-H1, ARHGEF2) and MRTF-A target genes tropomyosin 4.2 (TPM4), vinculin (VCL), and nonmuscle myosin IIB (NM-2B, MYH10). Mechanistically, MASTL associated with MRTF-A and increased its nuclear retention and transcriptional activity. Importantly, MASTL kinase activity was not required for regulation of cell spreading or MRTF-A/SRF transcriptional activity. Taken together, we present a previously unknown kinase-independent role for MASTL as a regulator of cell adhesion, contractility, and MRTF-A/SRF activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Emilia Taskinen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Elisa Närvä
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - James R.W. Conway
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Soto Hinojosa
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, and Center for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sergio Lilla
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Anja Mai
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Nicola De Franceschi
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura L. Elo
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Robert Grosse
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Freiburg, and Center for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sara Zanivan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Jim C. Norman
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Park JH, Lee C, Han D, Lee JS, Lee KM, Song MJ, Kim K, Lee H, Moon KC, Kim Y, Jung M, Moon JH, Lee H, Ryu HS. Moesin ( MSN) as a Novel Proteome-Based Diagnostic Marker for Early Detection of Invasive Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma in Liquid-Based Cytology. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12041018. [PMID: 32326232 PMCID: PMC7225967 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12041018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) is the most lethal malignancy of the urinary tract. Treatment for the disease highly depends on the invasiveness of cancer cells. Therefore, a predictive biomarker needs to be identified for invasive BUC. In this study, we employed proteomics methods on urine liquid-based cytology (LBC) samples and a BUC cell line library to determine a novel predictive biomarker for invasive BUC. Furthermore, an in vitro three-dimensional (3D) invasion study for biological significance and diagnostic validation through immunocytochemistry (ICC) were also performed. The proteomic analysis suggested moesin (MSN) as a potential biomarker to predict the invasiveness of BUC. The in vitro 3D invasion study showed that inhibition of MSN significantly decreased invasiveness in BUC cell lines. Further validation using ICC ultimately confirmed moesin (MSN) as a potential biomarker to predict the invasiveness of BUC (p = 0.023). In conclusion, we suggest moesin as a potential diagnostic marker for early detection of BUC with invasion in LBC and as a potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hwan Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.H.P.); (C.L.); (K.C.M.); (M.J.); (J.H.M.)
- Department of Pathology, SMG-SNU Boramae Medical Center, Seoul 07061, Korea
| | - Cheol Lee
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.H.P.); (C.L.); (K.C.M.); (M.J.); (J.H.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Dohyun Han
- Division of Clinical Bioinformatics, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (D.H.); (K.K.); (H.L.)
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jae Seok Lee
- Department of Pathology, Samsung Changwon Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Changwon 51353, Korea;
| | - Kyung Min Lee
- Center for Medical Innovation, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03082, Korea;
| | - Min Ji Song
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Kwangsoo Kim
- Division of Clinical Bioinformatics, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (D.H.); (K.K.); (H.L.)
| | - Heonyi Lee
- Division of Clinical Bioinformatics, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea; (D.H.); (K.K.); (H.L.)
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biomedical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Kyung Chul Moon
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.H.P.); (C.L.); (K.C.M.); (M.J.); (J.H.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Youngsoo Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Minsun Jung
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.H.P.); (C.L.); (K.C.M.); (M.J.); (J.H.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Ji Hye Moon
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.H.P.); (C.L.); (K.C.M.); (M.J.); (J.H.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Hyebin Lee
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, 03181, Korea
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (H.S.R.)
| | - Han Suk Ryu
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.H.P.); (C.L.); (K.C.M.); (M.J.); (J.H.M.)
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea;
- Correspondence: (H.L.); (H.S.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Hung PS, Huang MH, Kuo YY, Yang JCH. The Inhibition of Wnt Restrain KRAS G12V-Driven Metastasis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040837. [PMID: 32244355 PMCID: PMC7226522 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The KRAS mutations have been an obstacle to identify therapeutic targets in cancer treatment. In this work, we clarified the distinct metastasis pattern of non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) induced by KRASG12V/KRASG12D mutations and inhibited the KRASG12V mediated metastasis by Wnt inhibitor. First, we found that KRASG12V induced more aggressive phenotype in vitro and in vivo experiments. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) results of H838 KRASG12V cells showed a significant negative correlation with RhoA-related signaling. Following this clue, we observed KRASG12D induced higher activation of RhoA and suppressed activation of Wnt/β-catenin in H838KRASG12D cells. The restored activation of Wnt/β-catenin in H838KRASG12D cells could be detected when expression with a dominant-negative mutant of RhoA or treatment with RhoA inhibitor. Furthermore, the Wnt inhibitor abolished the KRASG12V-induced migration. We elucidated the importance of the axis of RhoA/Wnt in regulatory NSCLC metastasis driven by KRAS mutations. Our data indicate that KRASG12V driven NSCLC metastasis is Wnt-dependent and the mechanisms of NSCLC metastasis induced by KRASG12V/KRASG12D is distinct.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Shan Hung
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Ming-Hung Huang
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (M.-H.H.)
| | - Yuan-Yeh Kuo
- Tai-Chen Cell Therapy Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | - James Chih-Hsin Yang
- Graduate Institute of Oncology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan; (P.-S.H.); (M.-H.H.)
- Department of Oncology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- National Taiwan University Cancer Center, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chen H, Gao F, He M, Ding XF, Wong AM, Sze SC, Yu AC, Sun T, Chan AW, Wang X, Wong N. Long-Read RNA Sequencing Identifies Alternative Splice Variants in Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Tumor-Specific Isoforms. Hepatology 2019; 70:1011-1025. [PMID: 30637779 PMCID: PMC6766942 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Alternative splicing (AS) allows generation of cell type-specific mRNA transcripts and contributes to hallmarks of cancer. Genome-wide analysis for AS in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however, is limited. We sought to obtain a comprehensive AS landscape in HCC and define tumor-associated variants. Single-molecule real-time long-read RNA sequencing was performed on patient-derived HCC cells, and presence of splice junctions was defined by SpliceMap-LSC-IDP algorithm. We obtained an all-inclusive map of annotated AS variants and further discovered 362 alternative spliced variants that are not previously reported in any database (neither RefSeq nor GENCODE). They were mostly derived from intron retention and early termination codon with an in-frame open reading frame in 81.5%. We corroborated many of these predicted unannotated and annotated variants to be tumor specific in an independent cohort of primary HCC tumors and matching nontumoral liver. Using the combined Sanger sequencing and TaqMan junction assays, unique and common expressions of spliced variants including enzyme regulators (ARHGEF2, SERPINH1), chromatin modifiers (DEK, CDK9, RBBP7), RNA-binding proteins (SRSF3, RBM27, MATR3, YBX1), and receptors (ADRM1, CD44v8-10, vitamin D receptor, ROR1) were determined in HCC tumors. We further focused functional investigations on ARHGEF2 variants (v1 and v3) that arise from the common amplified site chr.1q22 of HCC. Their biological significance underscores two major cancer hallmarks, namely cancer stemness and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition-mediated cell invasion and migration, although v3 is consistently more potent than v1. Conclusion: Alternative isoforms and tumor-specific isoforms that arise from aberrant splicing are common during the liver tumorigenesis. Our results highlight insights gained from the analysis of AS in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin Hong KongChina
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong KongKowloon TongHong KongChina
| | - Mian He
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin Hong KongChina
| | - Xiao Fan Ding
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin Hong KongChina
| | - Aikha M. Wong
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin Hong KongChina
| | - Siu Ching Sze
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin Hong KongChina
| | - Allen C. Yu
- School of Life SciencesThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatinHong KongChina
| | - Tingting Sun
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin Hong KongChina
| | - Anthony W‐H. Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin Hong KongChina
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong KongKowloon TongHong KongChina
| | - Nathalie Wong
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular PathologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin Hong KongChina
- State Key Laboratory in Translational OncologyThe Chinese University of Hong KongShatin Hong KongChina
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive DiseaseSir YK Pao Centre for Cancer, The Chinese University of Hong KongShatin Hong KongChina
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Silver JT, Wirtz-Peitz F, Simões S, Pellikka M, Yan D, Binari R, Nishimura T, Li Y, Harris TJC, Perrimon N, Tepass U. Apical polarity proteins recruit the RhoGEF Cysts to promote junctional myosin assembly. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:3397-3414. [PMID: 31409654 PMCID: PMC6781438 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201807106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Silver et al. show that the RhoGEF Cysts links apical polarity proteins to Rho1 and myosin activation at adherens junctions to support junctional and epithelial integrity in the Drosophila ectoderm. The spatio-temporal regulation of small Rho GTPases is crucial for the dynamic stability of epithelial tissues. However, how RhoGTPase activity is controlled during development remains largely unknown. To explore the regulation of Rho GTPases in vivo, we analyzed the Rho GTPase guanine nucleotide exchange factor (RhoGEF) Cysts, the Drosophila orthologue of mammalian p114RhoGEF, GEF-H1, p190RhoGEF, and AKAP-13. Loss of Cysts causes a phenotype that closely resembles the mutant phenotype of the apical polarity regulator Crumbs. This phenotype can be suppressed by the loss of basolateral polarity proteins, suggesting that Cysts is an integral component of the apical polarity protein network. We demonstrate that Cysts is recruited to the apico-lateral membrane through interactions with the Crumbs complex and Bazooka/Par3. Cysts activates Rho1 at adherens junctions and stabilizes junctional myosin. Junctional myosin depletion is similar in Cysts- and Crumbs-compromised embryos. Together, our findings indicate that Cysts is a downstream effector of the Crumbs complex and links apical polarity proteins to Rho1 and myosin activation at adherens junctions, supporting junctional integrity and epithelial polarity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan T Silver
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Sérgio Simões
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milena Pellikka
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dong Yan
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Richard Binari
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Takashi Nishimura
- RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tony J C Harris
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Norbert Perrimon
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Ulrich Tepass
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gong W, Yang L, Wang Y, Xian J, Qiu F, Liu L, Lin M, Feng Y, Zhou Y, Lu J. Analysis of Survival-Related lncRNA Landscape Identifies A Role for LINC01537 in Energy Metabolism and Lung Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153713. [PMID: 31374807 PMCID: PMC6696180 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Many long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as good biomarkers and potential therapeutic targets for various cancers. We aimed to get a detailed understanding of the lncRNA landscape that is associated with lung cancer survival. A comparative analysis between our RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) data and TCGA datasets was conducted to reveal lncRNAs with significant correlations with lung cancer survival and then the association of the most promising lncRNA was validated in a cohort of 243 lung cancer patients. Comparing RNA-seq data with TCGA ones, 84 dysregulated lncRNAs were identified in lung cancer tissues, among which 10 lncRNAs were significantly associated with lung cancer survival. LINC01537 was the most significant one (p = 2.95 × 10−6). Validation analysis confirmed the downregulation of LINC01537 in lung cancer. LINC01537 was observed to inhibit tumor growth and metastasis. It also increased cellular sensitivity to nilotinib. PDE2A (phosphodiesterase 2A) was further identified to be a target of LINC01537 and it was seen that LINC01537 promoted PDE2A expression via RNA–RNA interaction to stabilize PDE2A mRNA and thus echoed effects of PDE2A on energy metabolism including both Warburg effect and mitochondrial respiration. Other regulators of tumor energy metabolism were also affected by LINC01537. These results elucidate a suppressed role of LINC01537 in lung cancer development involving tumor metabolic reprogramming, and we believe that it might be a biomarker for cancer survival prediction and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Gong
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Lei Yang
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jianfeng Xian
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Fuman Qiu
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Li Liu
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Mingzhu Lin
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yingyi Feng
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Yifeng Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Medical College of Soochow University, 1 Shizi Road, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Jiachun Lu
- The State Key Lab of Respiratory Disease, The institute for Chemical Carcinogenesis, Collaborative Innovation Center for Environmental Toxicity, Guangzhou Medical University, Xinzao, Panyu District, Guangzhou 511436, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
SHOC2 phosphatase-dependent RAF dimerization mediates resistance to MEK inhibition in RAS-mutant cancers. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2532. [PMID: 31182717 PMCID: PMC6557854 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-10367-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeted inhibition of the ERK-MAPK pathway, upregulated in a majority of human cancers, has been hindered in the clinic by drug resistance and toxicity. The MRAS-SHOC2-PP1 (SHOC2 phosphatase) complex plays a key role in RAF-ERK pathway activation by dephosphorylating a critical inhibitory site on RAF kinases. Here we show that genetic inhibition of SHOC2 suppresses tumorigenic growth in a subset of KRAS-mutant NSCLC cell lines and prominently inhibits tumour development in autochthonous murine KRAS-driven lung cancer models. On the other hand, systemic SHOC2 ablation in adult mice is relatively well tolerated. Furthermore, we show that SHOC2 deletion selectively sensitizes KRAS- and EGFR-mutant NSCLC cells to MEK inhibitors. Mechanistically, SHOC2 deletion prevents MEKi-induced RAF dimerization, leading to more potent and durable ERK pathway suppression that promotes BIM-dependent apoptosis. These results present a rationale for the generation of SHOC2 phosphatase targeted therapies, both as a monotherapy and to widen the therapeutic index of MEK inhibitors. Targeted inhibition of the ERK-MAPK pathway is challenged by the development of resistance and toxicity. Here, the authors show that SHOC2 genetic inhibition impairs lung tumour development and improves MEK inhibitor efficacy in RAS- and EGFR-mutant cells.
Collapse
|
32
|
Lou K, Steri V, Ge AY, Hwang YC, Yogodzinski CH, Shkedi AR, Choi ALM, Mitchell DC, Swaney DL, Hann B, Gordan JD, Shokat KM, Gilbert LA. KRAS G12C inhibition produces a driver-limited state revealing collateral dependencies. Sci Signal 2019; 12:12/583/eaaw9450. [PMID: 31138768 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aaw9450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors targeting KRASG12C, a mutant form of the guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) KRAS, are a promising new class of oncogene-specific therapeutics for the treatment of tumors driven by the mutant protein. These inhibitors react with the mutant cysteine residue by binding covalently to the switch-II pocket (S-IIP) that is present only in the inactive guanosine diphosphate (GDP)-bound form of KRASG12C, sparing the wild-type protein. We used a genome-scale CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) functional genomics platform to systematically identify genetic interactions with a KRASG12C inhibitor in cellular models of KRASG12C mutant lung and pancreatic cancer. Our data revealed genes that were selectively essential in this oncogenic driver-limited cell state, meaning that their loss enhanced cellular susceptibility to direct KRASG12C inhibition. We termed such genes "collateral dependencies" (CDs) and identified two classes of combination therapies targeting these CDs that increased KRASG12C target engagement or blocked residual survival pathways in cells and in vivo. From our findings, we propose a framework for assessing genetic dependencies induced by oncogene inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Lou
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Veronica Steri
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Preclinical Therapeutics Core, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Alex Y Ge
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Y Christina Hwang
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Christopher H Yogodzinski
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Arielle R Shkedi
- Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Alex L M Choi
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Dominique C Mitchell
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Danielle L Swaney
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Quantitative Biosciences Institute (QBI), University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Byron Hann
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Preclinical Therapeutics Core, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - John D Gordan
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Department of Medicine and Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Kevan M Shokat
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Luke A Gilbert
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA. .,Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA.,Innovative Genomics Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Liu K, Wang A, Ran L, Zhang W, Jing S, Wang Y, Zhang X, Liu G, Sen W, Song F. ARHGEF38 as a novel biomarker to predict aggressive prostate cancer. Genes Dis 2019; 7:217-224. [PMID: 32215291 PMCID: PMC7083745 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) metastasis is considered the leading cause of cancer death in males. Therapeutic strategies and diagnosis for stage-specific PCa have not been well understood. Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 38 (ARHGEF38) is related to tumor cell polarization and is frequently expressed in PCa. Microarray data of PCa were downloaded from GEO and TCGA databases. A total of 243 DEGs were screened, of which, 32 genes were upregulated. The results of enrichment analysis showed the participation of these DEGs in the tumor cell metastasis pathway. ARHGEF38 was significantly up-regulated in the four most prevalent cancers worldwide (p < 0.05), and its expression was higher in the tumor samples with higher Gleason score (GS). IHC, qRT-PCR, and western-blot analyses showed the higher expression of ARHGEF38 in PCa than benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In addition, IHC results demonstrated a higher expression of ARHGEF38 in high-grade PCa than the low-grade PCa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Liu
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Aixiang Wang
- Tianjin Key Institute of Urology, Department of Urology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, 300162, Tianjin, China
| | - Longke Ran
- Department of Bioinformatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wanfeng Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Song Jing
- Department of Bioinformatics, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yujing Wang
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xianqin Zhang
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Geli Liu
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Wang Sen
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Fangzhou Song
- Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Microbial recognition by GEF-H1 controls IKKε mediated activation of IRF5. Nat Commun 2019; 10:1349. [PMID: 30902986 PMCID: PMC6430831 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09283-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During infection, transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) is essential for the control of host defense. Here we show that the microtubule-associated guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF)-H1, is required for the phosphorylation of IRF5 by microbial muramyl-dipeptides (MDP), the minimal structural motif of peptidoglycan of both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Specifically, GEF-H1 functions in a microtubule based recognition system for microbial peptidoglycans that mediates the activation of IKKε which we identify as a new upstream IKKα/β and IRF5 kinase. The deletion of GEF-H1 or dominant-negative variants of GEF-H1 prevent activation of IKKε and phosphorylation of IRF5. The GEF-H1-IKKε-IRF5 signaling axis functions independent of NOD-like receptors and is critically required for the recognition of intracellular peptidoglycans and host defenses against Listeria monocytogenes. The transcription factor IRF5 is essential for immune defense against pathogens. Here, the authors show that the microtubule-associated factor GEF-H1 plays a critical role in host defense against Listeria monocytogenes in macrophages via activation of the IRF5 kinase IKKε.
Collapse
|
35
|
Adderley H, Blackhall FH, Lindsay CR. KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer: Converging small molecules and immune checkpoint inhibition. EBioMedicine 2019; 41:711-716. [PMID: 30852159 PMCID: PMC6444074 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.02.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
KRAS is the most frequent oncogene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a molecular subset characterized by historical disappointments in targeted treatment approaches such as farnesyl transferase inhibition, downstream MEK inhibition, and synthetic lethality screens. Unlike other important mutational subtypes of NSCLC, preclinical work supports the hypothesis that KRAS mutations may be vulnerable to immunotherapy approaches, an efficacy associated in particular with TP53 co-mutation. In this review we detail reasons for previous failures in KRAS-mutant NSCLC, evidence to suggest that KRAS mutation is a genetic marker of benefit from immune checkpoint inhibition, and emerging direct inhibitors of K-Ras which will soon be combined with immunotherapy during clinical development. With signs of real progress in this subgroup of unmet need, we anticipate that KRAS mutant NSCLC will be the most important molecular subset of cancer to evaluate the combination of small molecules and immune checkpoint inhibitors (CPI).
Collapse
|
36
|
Erickson KE, Rukhlenko OS, Posner RG, Hlavacek WS, Kholodenko BN. New insights into RAS biology reinvigorate interest in mathematical modeling of RAS signaling. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 54:162-173. [PMID: 29518522 PMCID: PMC6123307 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
RAS is the most frequently mutated gene across human cancers, but developing inhibitors of mutant RAS has proven to be challenging. Given the difficulties of targeting RAS directly, drugs that impact the other components of pathways where mutant RAS operates may potentially be effective. However, the system-level features, including different localizations of RAS isoforms, competition between downstream effectors, and interlocking feedback and feed-forward loops, must be understood to fully grasp the opportunities and limitations of inhibiting specific targets. Mathematical modeling can help us discern the system-level impacts of these features in normal and cancer cells. New technologies enable the acquisition of experimental data that will facilitate development of realistic models of oncogenic RAS behavior. In light of the wealth of empirical data accumulated over decades of study and the advancement of experimental methods for gathering new data, modelers now have the opportunity to advance progress toward realization of targeted treatment for mutant RAS-driven cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keesha E Erickson
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Oleksii S Rukhlenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Richard G Posner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - William S Hlavacek
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics Group, Theoretical Division, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA; University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Boris N Kholodenko
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland; Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Ireland; School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Fowle H, Zhao Z, Graña X. PP2A holoenzymes, substrate specificity driving cellular functions and deregulation in cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2019; 144:55-93. [PMID: 31349904 PMCID: PMC9994639 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PP2A is a highly conserved eukaryotic serine/threonine protein phosphatase of the PPP family of phosphatases with fundamental cellular functions. In cells, PP2A targets specific subcellular locations and substrates by forming heterotrimeric holoenzymes, where a core dimer consisting of scaffold (A) and catalytic (C) subunits complexes with one of many B regulatory subunits. PP2A plays a key role in positively and negatively regulating a myriad of cellular processes, as it targets a very sizable fraction of the cellular substrates phosphorylated on Ser/Thr residues. This review focuses on insights made toward the understanding on how the subunit composition and structure of PP2A holoenzymes mediates substrate specificity, the role of substrate modulation in the signaling of cellular division, growth, and differentiation, and its deregulation in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Fowle
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology and Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ziran Zhao
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology and Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Xavier Graña
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology and Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ye YP, Jiao HL, Wang SY, Xiao ZY, Zhang D, Qiu JF, Zhang LJ, Zhao YL, Li TT, Li-Liang, Liao WT, Ding YQ. Hypermethylation of DMTN promotes the metastasis of colorectal cancer cells by regulating the actin cytoskeleton through Rac1 signaling activation. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:299. [PMID: 30514346 PMCID: PMC6277997 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0958-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common digestive malignant tumors, and DMTN is a transcriptionally differentially expressed gene that was identified using CRC mRNA sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Our preliminary work suggested that the expression of DMTN was downregulated in CRC, and the Rac1 signaling pathway was significantly enriched in CRC tissues with low DMTN expression. However, the specific functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of DMTN in the progression of CRC and the upstream factors regulating the downregulation of the gene remain unclear. Methods DMTN expression was analyzed in CRC tissues, and the relationship between DMTN expression and the clinicopathological parameters was analyzed. In vitro and in vivo experimental models were used to detect the effects of DMTN dysregulation on invasion and metastasis of CRC cells. GSEA assay was performed to explore the mechanism of DMTN in invasion and metastasis of CRC. Westernblot, Co-IP and GST-Pull-Down assay were used to detect the interaction between DMTN and ARHGEF2, as well as the activation of the RAC1 signaling. Bisulfite genomic sequence (BSP) assay was used to test the degree of methylation of DMTN gene promoter in CRC tissues. Results We found that the expression of DMTN was significantly decreased in CRC tissues, and the downregulation of DMTN was associated with advanced progression and poor survival and was regarded as an independent predictive factor of CRC patient prognosis. The overexpression of DMTN inhibited, while the knockdown of DMTN promoted, invasion and metastasis in CRC cells. Moreover, hypermethylation and the deletion of DMTN relieved binding to the ARHGEF2 protein, activated the Rac1 signaling pathway, regulated actin cytoskeletal rearrangements, and promoted the invasion and metastasis of CRC cells. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that the downregulation of DMTN promoted the metastasis of colorectal cancer cells by regulating the actin cytoskeleton through RAC1 signaling activation, potentially providing a new therapeutic target to enable cancer precision medicine for CRC patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0958-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ping Ye
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Li Jiao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Yang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun-Feng Qiu
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling-Jie Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ya-Li Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting-Ting Li
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Liang
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Ting Liao
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Yan-Qing Ding
- Department of Pathology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Molecular Tumor Pathology, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
The cytoskeleton is crucially important for the assembly of cell-cell junctions and the homeostatic regulation of their functions. Junctional proteins act, in turn, as anchors for cytoskeletal filaments, and as regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics and signalling proteins. The cross-talk between junctions and the cytoskeleton is critical for the morphogenesis and physiology of epithelial and other tissues, but is not completely understood. Microtubules are implicated in the delivery of junctional proteins to cell-cell contact sites, in the differentiation and spatial organization of the cytoplasm, and in the stabilization of the barrier and adhesive functions of junctions. Here we focus on the relationships between microtubules and junctions of vertebrate epithelial cells. We highlight recent discoveries on the molecular underpinnings of microtubule-junction interactions, and report new data about the interaction of cingulin and paracingulin with microtubules. We also propose a possible new role of junctions as “molecular sinks” for microtubule-associated signalling proteins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Vasileva
- a Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Institute for Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (iGE3) , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland
| | - Sandra Citi
- a Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Institute for Genetics and Genomics in Geneva (iGE3) , University of Geneva , Geneva , Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Liu K, Guo J, Liu K, Fan P, Zeng Y, Xu C, Zhong J, Li Q, Zhou Y. Integrative analysis reveals distinct subtypes with therapeutic implications in KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma. EBioMedicine 2018; 36:196-208. [PMID: 30268834 PMCID: PMC6197714 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinomas (LUADs) are heterogeneous and frequently occur in smokers. The heterogeneity of KRAS-mutant LUAD has been an obstacle for the drug discovery. METHODS We integrated multiplatform datatypes and identified two corresponding subtypes in the patients and cell lines. We further characterized the features of these two subtypes and performed drug screening to identify subtype-specific drugs. Finally, we used the defining features of the KRAS subtypes for drug sensitivity prediction. FINDINGS Patient-Subtype 1 (PS1) was characterized by increased smoking-related mutational signature activity, a low tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL)-associating score and STK11/KEAP1 co-mutations. Patient-Subtype 2 (PS2) was characterized by an increased smoking-related methylation signature activity, a high TIL-associating score and increased KRAS dependency. The cell line subtypes faithfully recapitulated all the patients' features. Drug screening of the two cell line subtypes yielded several potential candidates, such as cytarabine and enzastaurin for Cell-line-Subtype 1 (CS1) and a BTK inhibitor QL-XII-61 for Cell-line-Subtype 2 (CS2). The defining features, such as smoking-related methylation signature, were significantly associated with the sensitivity to several drugs. INTERPRETATION The heterogeneity of KRAS-mutant LUAD is associated with smoking-related genomic and epigenomic aberration along with other features such as immunogenicity, KRAS dependency and STK11/KEAP1 co-mutations. These features might be used as biomarkers for drug sensitivity prediction. FUND: This research was funded by the Young Scientists Fund of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province, China and the Education and Research Foundation for Young Scholars of Education Department of Fujian Province, China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Liu
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Center for Biomedical Big Data Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jintao Guo
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Center for Biomedical Big Data Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Kuai Liu
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Center for Biomedical Big Data Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Peiyang Fan
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Center for Biomedical Big Data Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zeng
- BGI-Shenzhen, Bei Shan Industrial Zone, Yantian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province 518083, China
| | - Chaoqun Xu
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Center for Biomedical Big Data Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Jiaxin Zhong
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Center for Biomedical Big Data Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Qiyuan Li
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Center for Biomedical Big Data Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Translational Medicine, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Center for Biomedical Big Data Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Aguirre AJ, Hahn WC. Synthetic Lethal Vulnerabilities in KRAS-Mutant Cancers. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2018; 8:cshperspect.a031518. [PMID: 29101114 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a031518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
KRAS is the most commonly mutated oncogene in human cancer. Most KRAS-mutant cancers depend on sustained expression and signaling of KRAS, thus making it a high-priority therapeutic target. Unfortunately, development of direct small molecule inhibitors of KRAS function has been challenging. An alternative therapeutic strategy for KRAS-mutant malignancies involves targeting codependent vulnerabilities or synthetic lethal partners that are preferentially essential in the setting of oncogenic KRAS. KRAS activates numerous effector pathways that mediate proliferation and survival signals. Moreover, cancer cells must cope with substantial oncogenic stress conferred by mutant KRAS. These oncogenic signaling pathways and compensatory coping mechanisms of KRAS-mutant cancer cells form the basis for synthetic lethal interactions. Here, we review the compendium of previously identified codependencies in KRAS-mutant cancers, including the results of numerous functional genetic screens aimed at identifying KRAS synthetic lethal targets. Importantly, many of these vulnerabilities may represent tractable therapeutic opportunities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Aguirre
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - William C Hahn
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bustelo XR. RHO GTPases in cancer: known facts, open questions, and therapeutic challenges. Biochem Soc Trans 2018; 46:741-760. [PMID: 29871878 PMCID: PMC7615761 DOI: 10.1042/bst20170531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RHO GTPases have been traditionally associated with protumorigenic functions. While this paradigm is still valid in many cases, recent data have unexpectedly revealed that RHO proteins can also play tumor suppressor roles. RHO signaling elements can also promote both pro- and antitumorigenic effects using GTPase-independent mechanisms, thus giving an extra layer of complexity to the role of these proteins in cancer. Consistent with these variegated roles, both gain- and loss-of-function mutations in RHO pathway genes have been found in cancer patients. Collectively, these observations challenge long-held functional archetypes for RHO proteins in both normal and cancer cells. In this review, I will summarize these data and discuss new questions arising from them such as the functional and clinical relevance of the mutations found in patients, the mechanistic orchestration of those antagonistic functions in tumors, and the pros and cons that these results represent for the development of RHO-based anticancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xosé R Bustelo
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)-University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Martin TD, Cook DR, Choi MY, Li MZ, Haigis KM, Elledge SJ. A Role for Mitochondrial Translation in Promotion of Viability in K-Ras Mutant Cells. Cell Rep 2018; 20:427-438. [PMID: 28700943 PMCID: PMC5553568 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2017.06.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 05/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations in the KRAS oncogene are highly prevalent in tumors, especially those of the colon, lung, and pancreas. To better understand the genetic dependencies that K-Ras mutant cells rely upon for their growth, we employed whole-genome CRISPR loss-of-function screens in two isogenic pairs of cell lines. Since loss of essential genes is uniformly toxic in CRISPR-based screens, we also developed a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) library targeting essential genes. These approaches uncovered a large set of proteins whose loss results in the selective reduction of K-Ras mutant cell growth. Pathway analysis revealed that many of these genes function in the mitochondria. For validation, we generated isogenic pairs of cell lines using CRISPR-based genome engineering, which confirmed the dependency of K-Ras mutant cells on these mitochondrial pathways. Finally, we found that mitochondrial inhibitors reduce the growth of K-Ras mutant tumors in vivo, aiding in the advancement of strategies to target K-Ras-driven malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Martin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Genetics, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Danielle R Cook
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mei Yuk Choi
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Genetics, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mamie Z Li
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Genetics, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Kevin M Haigis
- Cancer Research Institute, Beth Israel Deaconess Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Stephen J Elledge
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Genetics, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Program in Virology, Harvard University Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Gebregiworgis T, Marshall CB, Nishikawa T, Radulovich N, Sandí MJ, Fang Z, Rottapel R, Tsao MS, Ikura M. Multiplexed Real-Time NMR GTPase Assay for Simultaneous Monitoring of Multiple Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Activities from Human Cancer Cells and Organoids. J Am Chem Soc 2018. [PMID: 29543440 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.7b13703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Small GTPases (sGTPases) are critical switch-like regulators that mediate several important cellular functions and are often mutated in human cancers. They are activated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), which specifically catalyze the exchange of GTP for GDP. GEFs coordinate signaling networks in normal cells, and are frequently deregulated in cancers. sGTPase signaling pathways are complex and interconnected; however, most GEF assays do not reveal such complexity. In this Communication, we describe the development of a unique real-time NMR-based multiplexed GEF assay that employs distinct isotopic labeling schemes for each sGTPase protein to enable simultaneous observation of six proteins of interest. We monitor nucleotide exchange of KRas, Rheb, RalB, RhoA, Cdc42 and Rac1 in a single system, and assayed the activities of GEFs in lysates of cultured human cells and 3D organoids derived from pancreatic cancer patients. We observed potent activation of RhoA by lysates of HEK293a cells transfected with GEF-H1, along with weak stimulation of Rac1, which we showed is indirect. Our functional analyses of pancreatic cancer-derived organoids revealed higher GEF activity for RhoA than other sGTPases, in line with RNA-seq data indicating high expression of RhoA-specific GEFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teklab Gebregiworgis
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - Christopher B Marshall
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - Tadateru Nishikawa
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - Nikolina Radulovich
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - María-José Sandí
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - Zhenhao Fang
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - Robert Rottapel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| | - Ming-Sound Tsao
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5S 1A1 , Canada
| | - Mitsuhiko Ikura
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre , University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario M5G 1L7 , Canada
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Kent OA, Sandí MJ, Burston HE, Brown KR, Rottapel R. An oncogenic KRAS transcription program activates the RHOGEF ARHGEF2 to mediate transformed phenotypes in pancreatic cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 8:4484-4500. [PMID: 27835861 PMCID: PMC5354848 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Activating mutations of KRAS are nearly ubiquitous in pancreatic adenocarcinomas occurring in greater than 90% of cases. Cellular transformation by oncogenic RAS requires the RHO guanine exchange factor ARHGEF2 (also known as GEF-H1) for tumor growth and survival. Here, we find oncogenic KRAS activates ARHGEF2 through a minimal RAS responsive promoter. We have determined the endogenous ARHGEF2 promoter is positively regulated by the transcription factors ELK1, ETS1, SP1 and SP3 and negatively regulated by the RAS responsive element binding protein (RREB1). We find that the panel of ARHGEF2-regulating transcription factors modulates RAS transformed phenotypes including cellular viability, anchorage-independent growth and invasion-migration of pancreatic cancer cells. RREB1 knockdown activates the amplitude and duration of RHOA via increased ARHGEF2 expression. By relieving the negative regulation of RREB1 on the ARHGEF2 promoter, we determined that ETS1 and SP3 are essential for the normal expression of ARHGEF2 and contribute to the migratory behavior of pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, enforced expression of ARHGEF2 rescues loss of SP3 driven invasion-migration and anchorage-independent growth defective phenotypes through restored activation of RHOA. Collectively, our results identify a transcription factor program required for RAS transformation and provide mechanistic insight into the highly metastatic behavior of pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oliver A Kent
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - María-José Sandí
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Helen E Burston
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kevin R Brown
- Donnelly Centre and Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Robert Rottapel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto Medical Discovery Tower, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medicine, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Immunology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Division of Rheumatology, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mao Z, Liu C, Lin X, Sun B, Su C. PPP2R5A: A multirole protein phosphatase subunit in regulating cancer development. Cancer Lett 2018; 414:222-229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
47
|
Yoshida T, Tsujioka M, Honda S, Tanaka M, Shimizu S. Autophagy suppresses cell migration by degrading GEF-H1, a RhoA GEF. Oncotarget 2018; 7:34420-9. [PMID: 27120804 PMCID: PMC5085165 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell migration is a process crucial for a variety of biological events, such as morphogenesis and wound healing. Several reports have described the possible regulation of cell migration by autophagy; however, this remains controversial. We here demonstrate that mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) lacking autophagy protein 5 (Atg5), an essential molecule of autophagy, moved faster than wild-type (WT) MEFs. Similar results were obtained for MEFs lacking Atg7 and unc-51-like kinase 1 (Ulk1), which are molecules required for autophagy. This phenotype was also observed in Atg7-deficient macrophages. WT MEFs moved by mesenchymal-type migration, whereas Atg5 knockout (KO) MEFs moved by amoeba-like migration. This difference was thought to be mediated by the level of RhoA activity, because Atg5 KO MEFs had higher RhoA activity, and treatment with a RhoA inhibitor altered Atg5 KO MEF migration from the amoeba type to the mesenchymal type. Autophagic regulation of RhoA activity was dependent on GEF-H1, a member of the RhoA family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors. In WT MEFs, GEF-H1 directly bound to p62 and was degraded by autophagy, resulting in low RhoA activity. In contrast, the loss of autophagy increased GEF-H1 levels and thereby activated RhoA, which caused cells to move by amoeba-like migration. This amoeba-like migration was cancelled by the silencing of GEF-H1. These results indicate that autophagy plays a role in the regulation of migration by degrading GEF-H1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsushi Yoshida
- Department of Pathological Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan.,Present address: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan
| | - Masatsune Tsujioka
- Department of Pathological Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Shinya Honda
- Department of Pathological Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Masato Tanaka
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Shigeomi Shimizu
- Department of Pathological Cell Biology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Couturier L, Mazouni K, Bernard F, Besson C, Reynaud E, Schweisguth F. Regulation of cortical stability by RhoGEF3 in mitotic Sensory Organ Precursor cells in Drosophila. Biol Open 2017; 6:1851-1860. [PMID: 29101098 PMCID: PMC5769646 DOI: 10.1242/bio.026641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In epithelia, mitotic cells round up and push against their neighbors to divide. Mitotic rounding results from increased assembly of F-actin and cortical recruitment of Myosin II, leading to increased cortical stability. Whether this process is developmentally regulated is not well known. Here, we examined the regulation of cortical stability in Sensory Organ Precursor cells (SOPs) in the Drosophila pupal notum. SOPs differed in apical shape and actomyosin dynamics from their epidermal neighbors prior to division, and appeared to have a more rigid cortex at mitosis. We identified RhoGEF3 as an actin regulator expressed at higher levels in SOPs, and showed that RhoGEF3 had in vitro GTPase Exchange Factor (GEF) activity for Cdc42. Additionally, RhoGEF3 genetically interacted with both Cdc42 and Rac1 when overexpressed in the fly eye. Using a null RhoGEF3 mutation generated by CRISPR-mediated homologous recombination, we showed using live imaging that the RhoGEF3 gene, despite being dispensable for normal development, contributed to cortical stability in dividing SOPs. We therefore suggest that cortical stability is developmentally regulated in dividing SOPs of the fly notum. Summary: RhoGEF3 is a developmentally regulated Cdc42 GEF that contributes to cortical stability during asymmetric divisions of Sensory Organ Precursor cells in Drosophila.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydie Couturier
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, F-75015 Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR3738, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Khalil Mazouni
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, F-75015 Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR3738, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Fred Bernard
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, F-75015 Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR3738, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - Charlotte Besson
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, F-75015 Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR3738, F-75015 Paris, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Cellule Pasteur UPMC, rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Elodie Reynaud
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, F-75015 Paris, France.,CNRS, UMR3738, F-75015 Paris, France
| | - François Schweisguth
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, F-75015 Paris, France .,CNRS, UMR3738, F-75015 Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Li Y, Ye Z, Chen S, Pan Z, Zhou Q, Li YZ, Shuai WD, Kuang CM, Peng QH, Shi W, Mao X, Liu RY, Huang W. ARHGEF19 interacts with BRAF to activate MAPK signaling during the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer. Int J Cancer 2017; 142:1379-1391. [PMID: 29164615 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factors (RhoGEFs) are proteins that activate Rho GTPases in response to extracellular stimuli and regulate various biologic processes. ARHGEF19, one of RhoGEFs, was reported to activate RhoA in the Wnt-PCP pathway controlling convergent extension in Xenopus gastrulation. The goal of our study was to identify the role and molecular mechanisms of ARHGEF19 in the tumorigenesis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). ARHGEF19 expression was significantly elevated in NSCLC tissues, and ARHGEF19 levels were significantly associated with lymph node status, distant metastasis and TNM stage; Patients with high ARHGEF19 levels had poor overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Our investigations revealed that ARHGEF19 overexpression promoted the cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis of lung cancer cells, whereas knockdown of this gene inhibited these processes. Mechanistically, ARHGEF19 activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in a RhoA-independent manner: ARHGEF19 interacted with BRAF and facilitated the phosphorylation of its downstream kinase MEK1/2; both the Dbl homology (DH) and Pleckstrin homology (PH) domains of ARHGEF19 were indispensable for the phosphorylation of MEK1/2. Furthermore, downregulation of miR-29b was likely responsible for the increased expression of ARHGEF19 in lung cancer tissues and, consequently, the abnormal activation of MAPK signaling. These findings suggest that ARHGEF19 upregulation, due to the low expression of miR-29 in NSCLC tissues, may play a crucial role in NSCLC tumorigenesis by activating MAPK signaling. ARHGEF19 could serve as a negative prognostic marker as well as a therapeutic target for NSCLC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingchang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhihua Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Esophageal Cancer Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwen Pan
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qianghua Zhou
- Department of Urology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Zhuo Li
- Imaging Diagnosis and Interventional Center, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-di Shuai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Mei Kuang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Hua Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueli Mao
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ran-Yi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenlin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China & Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Targeted Drugs and Guangzhou Enterprise Key Laboratory of Gene Medicine, Guangzhou Doublle Bioproducts Co. Ltd., Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Sandí MJ, Marshall CB, Balan M, Coyaud É, Zhou M, Monson DM, Ishiyama N, Chandrakumar AA, La Rose J, Couzens AL, Gingras AC, Raught B, Xu W, Ikura M, Morrison DK, Rottapel R. MARK3-mediated phosphorylation of ARHGEF2 couples microtubules to the actin cytoskeleton to establish cell polarity. Sci Signal 2017; 10:10/503/eaan3286. [PMID: 29089450 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aan3286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The PAR-1-MARK pathway controls cell polarity through the phosphorylation of microtubule-associated proteins. Rho-Rac guanine nucleotide exchange factor 2 (ARHGEF2), which activates Ras homolog family member A (RHOA), is anchored to the microtubule network and sequestered in an inhibited state through binding to dynein light chain Tctex-1 type 1 (DYNLT1). We showed in mammalian cells that liver kinase B1 (LKB1) activated the microtubule affinity-regulating kinase 3 (MARK3), which in turn phosphorylated ARHGEF2 at Ser151 This modification disrupted the interaction between ARHGEF2 and DYNLT1 by generating a 14-3-3 binding site in ARHGEF2, thus causing ARHGEF2 to dissociate from microtubules. Phosphorylation of ARHGEF2 by MARK3 stimulated RHOA activation and the formation of stress fibers and focal adhesions, and was required for organized cellular architecture in three-dimensional culture. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) dephosphorylated Ser151 in ARHGEF2 to restore the inhibited state. Thus, we have identified a regulatory switch controlled by MARK3 that couples microtubules to the actin cytoskeleton to establish epithelial cell polarity through ARHGEF2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María-José Sandí
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Christopher B Marshall
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Marc Balan
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Étienne Coyaud
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ming Zhou
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Daniel M Monson
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Noboru Ishiyama
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Arun A Chandrakumar
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - José La Rose
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Amber L Couzens
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Brian Raught
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Wei Xu
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biostatistics, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mitsuhiko Ikura
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Deborah K Morrison
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, P.O. Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Robert Rottapel
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, 101 College Street, Princess Margaret Cancer Research Tower, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1L7, Canada. .,Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.,Division of Rheumatology, St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada
| |
Collapse
|